Artist Statement:

Concepts of ideal body image have been perpetuated in every culture for decades, constraining the idea of beauty to a specific body type. 'Mirror of the Mind' is aimed to develop a discourse around societal implications of restrictive standards of beauty by surrounding the common idea that women are 'not good enough' when they view themselves. The subdued left image depicts the skewed image of what the figure sees in the mirror whereas the vibrancy and harmonious colours conveyed in the right painting are a symbol of the woman's true identity. Flowers are displayed around the hair to symbolise the differing emotions surrounding her body image. The lifeless flowers represent her emotional conflict toward her outward appearance whereas the colourful, blooming flowers overt femininity which celebrate the figure as having authentic inward and outward beauty. My work questions the notion that a person's physical appearance should be their first priority and the impact of this obsession with beauty. The canvas material and dot painting is inspired by Del Barton's work as I have found her art not only beautiful, but influential in the idea that she embraces the natural female form in her work.